Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Max Verstappen will not participate in the team's crucial test session at Suzuka this week, following his candid remarks about his future in Formula 1. The four-time world champion, who finished a disappointing eighth in the Japanese Grand Prix, has returned to Monaco instead of staying for the two-day test.
Testing Absence and Driver Replacement
The test session, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Suzuka circuit, will focus on evaluating dry-weather tyres. In Verstappen's absence, Yuki Tsunoda will take the wheel of the Red Bull car. Tsunoda previously served as Verstappen's teammate before being demoted to reserve and test driver following last December's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Red Bull subsequently replaced Tsunoda with Isack Hadjar, who finished 12th in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. Whether Hadjar will also participate in this week's test remains uncertain, with two practice sessions scheduled before an extended break caused by the cancellation of both the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix.
Verstappen's Championship Position
After three races of the 2026 season, Verstappen finds himself in an unfamiliar ninth position in the Drivers' Championship. The 28-year-old Dutch driver has yet to secure a podium finish this campaign, let alone a victory, marking a significant departure from his recent dominance in the sport.
Candid Comments About Future
Verstappen's absence from testing comes after he spoke openly about his future in Formula 1 during an interview with BBC Sport following the Japanese Grand Prix. "I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock," Verstappen revealed, adding that while he's privately happy, he's questioning whether the demanding schedule is worth it.
"You also wait for 24 races. This time it's 22. But normally 24," Verstappen continued. "And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you're not enjoying your sport?"
Realistic Assessment of Current Position
The Red Bull driver displayed remarkable honesty about his current situation in the championship. "I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am. Because I also know that you can't be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time. I'm very realistic in that and I've been there before," he explained.
However, Verstappen expressed frustration with the current racing environment. "I've not only been winning in F1. But at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn't feel natural to a racing driver. Of course I try to adapt to it, but it's not nice the way you have to race."
He concluded with a telling statement about his priorities: "It's really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it's just not what I want to do. And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day it's not about money any more because this has always been my passion."
Speculation About Future Moves
Verstappen's future in Formula 1 has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks. The driver's comments about potentially leaving the sport, combined with his absence from testing, have only fueled rumors about possible team changes or even retirement considerations.
The testing session at Suzuka represents a valuable opportunity for Red Bull to gather data and improve their car performance, particularly with Tsunoda returning to the cockpit. How Verstappen's absence affects the team's development program remains to be seen as they navigate what appears to be a challenging season for the former champion.
